What to Do in Cabo (Bucket List Edition)

Cabo is known as the land of luxury to many. But this tropical desert oasis is much more than all-inclusive resorts and private pools. Cabo holds so much depth, just waiting to be dived into. Ocean waters teem with life. Mountain peaks boast panoramic views. Heart-pumping thrills lie around every corner. And mouthwatering bites offer a taste of local culture. If you’re wondering what to do in Cabo San Lucas, you need only step outside to discover the true spirit of Cabo. But don’t worry—you don’t have to do it alone. Between the land and the sea, here’s your guide to curating your trip with all the best things to do in Cabo.

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The 17 Best Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas
Experience the Best Things to Do in Cabo with Next Vacay: Your Ticket to Unforgettable Adventures

The 17 Best Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

Whether you’re a certified beach bum, self-proclaimed thrill seeker, well-documented foodie, or none of these things, there’s something for you to do in Cabo San Lucas. So, don your walking shoes, swimsuits, or spa robe, and discover the best things to do in Cabo.

Sail to Land’s End

Located at the very tip of Land’s End, where the ocean meets the sea, the natural Arch of Cabo (El Arco) is a picture-perfect encapsulation of the region’s beauty and a classic symbol of Los Cabos. So it’s not a visit to Cabo San Lucas if you don’t plan a trip to view this must-see attraction up close. And there are plenty of boat tours to help you do just that. Clear boat tours make for great photo ops. For those interested in what’s happening below their feet, glass-bottom boat tours highlight the marine marvels of the Sea of Cortez. And for an indelible memory that will last a lifetime, a sunset cruise of El Arco puts the dramatic wonder of this eye-catching monument into perspective.

Go on a Whale Watching Tour

Whale watching is an absolute must during the winter season. Few things will compare to the magical experience of seeing these majestic creatures breach the waves or listening to their enchanting whale song. Winter sees several species of whales migrate to the waters off the coast of the Baja Peninsula to mate and give birth, including blue whales and humpbacks. And though you can often spy them from the shore, the best way to experience the magic is with a boat tour that takes you right up to the action. Go on a classic tour for up-close whale encounters with experienced guides and hydrophones to hear the whales singing. Or don your spyglass and embark on a singular adventure aboard a pirate ship as you coast through the Sea of Cortez.

Visit Cabo’s Sister City: San Jose del Cabo

For those looking to take it easy, Cabo’s sister city awaits. San Jose del Cabo is a quiet, unassuming destination, offering an opportunity to delve into Cabo’s art, beauty, and local culture. Explore the Art District to find galleries, creative shops, and a weekly Art Walk that brings the streets to life. Get a taste of the local culture with a food tour around the city that promises a smorgasbord of sights, sounds, and, most importantly, tastes to thrill your senses. And to get your blood flowing, San Jose del Cabo boasts hiking trails with scenic views that allow you to stay active while enjoying the city.

Get Out on the Water

The waters of Cabo San Lucas are notorious for a number of reasons. Epic waves draw crowds of surfers. Scores of fish and marine animals entice nature lovers. The vast expanse of the Sea of Cortez is great for jet skiing and parasailing over the water. The calm waters of Cabo’s few swimmable beaches make for great spots to paddleboard and kayak. In short, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the waters in Cabo. It’s all a part of the Baja lifestyle. So whether you’re interested in kicking back on a yacht to soak in the sun and sea or hitting the waves and enjoying the surf, Cabo’s many sea-based adventures make it impossible to stay out of the water.

Drive Over Desert Dunes

Cabo packs its fair share of options for relaxation and restoration. But if you want to get the blood pumping, then an ATV ride through Migriño Park is just what the doctor ordered. Between rugged desert trails and the pristine shores of Migriño Beach, ATV tours promise plenty of thrills alongside epic views, and some even offer a tequila tasting at the end to cap off the day’s adrenaline rush.

Zip Line Above the Baja Peninsula

The Baja Peninsula boasts unique landscapes sprawling in all directions, from sandy deserts to wide-open canyons and even encompassing verdant canopies. And one of the best ways to take it all in is from above! So why not throw in a bit of an adrenaline rush while you’re at it? Soaring your way over the Baja landscape is one of the most memorable and adrenaline-inducing ways to experience Cabo. Superman above the canopies of Boca de la Sierra or glide over yawning chasms at the eight-line behemoth circuit known as the Monster Ziplines of La Baja for an experience you’ll never forget.

Trek Sandy Deserts and Beaches on Camelback

Heart-pounding thrills aren’t the only way to experience the Baja Desert. Take it easy on a journey across sand dunes and sandy beaches, riding camelback. Marvel at the beautiful sights and serene landscapes of the Baja Desert. The journey encompasses fields of pretty desert flowers and striking mountain ranges, culminating in a trek along Cabo’s shimmering white sand beaches. Then, end your adventure on a high note with tours that offer tequila tastings on the beach as the perfect way to wind down.

Go on a Cabo Food Tour

Discover Cabo with your taste buds by diving into the local food scene and exploring the city’s restaurants and hidden gems. On an Eat Like A Local tour, visitors can experience the tasty foods and places locals love to frequent. Sample Mexican tacos and handmade sauces at family-owned restaurants specializing in street foods and modern fusions. Or, spice up your taco experience with a mixology and taco tour to get a tasting and history of the authentic flavors of Mexico.

Swim with Whale Sharks

One of the most unique events you can experience in Cabo is swimming with whale sharks. Known as the largest fish in the world, they can grow up to 40 feet long, a scary thought when you consider they’re actually sharks. But fear not—their size and docile demeanor have led many to christen them the “gentle giants” of the sea. Every year, from October to February, whale sharks travel to feed in the warm waters of La Paz, roughly two hours from Cabo San Lucas. All-day tours are available from the city to take visitors to the Bay of La Paz for an unforgettable experience of snorkeling and swimming with these gorgeous creatures.

Hike Mount Solmar

A private peak, a mountain hike, and furry friends for company. Located on a peninsula jutting into the Sea of Cortez, the summit of Mount Solmar offers coveted views of the Bay of Cabo, the Marina, and Medano Beach. Guided tours take visitors onto the private trailhead to climb the 440-foot mountain. And because the local tour guide also runs a dog training and daycare center, the dogs often tag along, providing fun and furry company for a challenging hike with heavenly views.

Soak in the Hot Springs of Sierra de la Laguna

For a little slice of heaven, head off the beaten path. Exploring the Sierra de la Laguna might require more preparation than a jaunt to the beach, but a little off-roading and hiking here is certainly worth the reward. Nestled among the sandy dunes and stoic cacti, the hot springs stick out like tiny oases in the desert. With bubbling baths, warm waters, and sunshine overhead, you can be forgiven for spending hours soaking in the warmth and healing properties of these mineral-rich natural bathtubs.

Hit the Beach

Cabo’s swimmable beaches may be few and far between, but that makes the beaches that are swimmable all the more must-see. If your Cabo itinerary of best things to do doesn’t include hitting up these beaches, it’s time to reevaluate your travel plans.

Play at Medano Beach

Golden sands, warm waters, and gentle waves make Medano Beach a popular tourist destination, with infinite opportunities to experience its wonders. Rent a kayak or paddleboard out to Land’s End to take in the views or find a quieter shore on Lovers Beach. If you’re looking for more heart-pumping fun, jet skiing or parasailing over the water is not to be missed. Of course, you don’t have to get your heart rate up to enjoy Medano Beach. Sit back and sunbathe on the shore, or head out on a boat to take in the bay and epic beach views from the water. With everything it has to offer, Medano is a true choose-your-own-adventure beach.

Relax on Lovers Beach

Lovers Beach, Playa del Amor, sits in a hidden cove between two rock formations and is only accessible by water taxi. Thus, you won’t find busy hotels or vendors here, just a little slice of sandy paradise. As one of Cabo’s few swimming beaches, it’s a popular choice with snorkeling enthusiasts. And thanks to its seclusion, it’s never as crowded as other beaches in Cabo, remaining pristine and perfect for everything from sunbathing to sandy strolls.

Swim and Snorkel at Santa Maria Beach

Clear waters teeming with colorful marine life make Santa Maria Bay perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Nestled between two large granite rocks that take the brunt of the pounding surf and harsh winds, Santa Maria is a sheltered cove that provides calm, safe waters for more relaxed beach activities. Enjoy a leisurely swim, or don your snorkel gear to explore life under the sea with the vibrant tropical fish. And, of course, the possibility of catching a glimpse of passing whales during winter only adds to the allure of this pristine beach.

Pamper Yourself with a Spa Retreat

Treating yourself is never a bad idea in Cabo, where luxury, pampering, and spas are three words that stroll hand in hand down the sandy beaches. So why not indulge during your stay and treat yourself to the kind of relaxing experience that vacations are all about? At the One&Only Palmilla, luxuriate in Mexican spa treatments emphasizing natural ingredients and therapies derived from ancient tribal wellness knowledge. Feel restored in nature at the Spa Alkemia, with garden spas, massages with desert oils, and locally made body scrubs. Or, become one with the world around you at the Waldorf Astoria, which emphasizes the healing properties of the moon, the sea, and Mexican Folk healing for a rounded therapy to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Try a Mexican Cooking Experience

Have you ever wanted to recreate the tastes of your Mexican holiday? Then a cooking experience might be just what you need. It’s not just about how you make food but what you make it with. Learn the ins and outs of preparing spectacular Mexican dishes on a fun market and cooking tour. From perusing ingredients at the local market to making tortillas and mole sauces by hand, learn how to pick the right ingredients and prepare them for a mouthwatering meal.

Practice Yoga with a View

If the question is what to do in Cabo, yoga by the seaside is the answer for any yoga enthusiast. The Spa at Pedregal overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and guests can book private yoga sessions. Or, check out the Grand Velas Los Cabos. Sitting on a pristine white beach, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better place for yoga practice. But if staying at one of these resorts isn’t within your price range, simply bring a towel or yoga mat to the beautiful beaches and conduct your own yoga session. Even better, go at sunrise or sunset to enjoy the stunning views as you greet the morning or unwind from your day of Cabo fun.

Experience the Best Things to Do in Cabo with Next Vacay: Your Ticket to Unforgettable Adventures

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